Context:
The Union government is in the process of formulating a policy designed to reinforce and extend the lifespan of aging national highways. This initiative will employ a technique known as white-topping, which provides a durable and sustainable solution for roadway maintenance.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Enhancements in National Highway Infrastructure
- Authority Overview: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), established by the NHAI Act of 1988 and operating under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is dedicated to the continuous improvement of national highways.
- Project Supervision: NHAI manages the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) among various other initiatives to enhance the country’s highway network spanning approximately 146,000 kilometers.
- White-Topping Method: White-topping involves applying a 100-200 mm thick layer of cement concrete, either bonded or unbonded, over existing bituminous roads. This method is utilized for the rehabilitation and structural strengthening of roads.
- Benefits of Cement Concrete: Composed of cement, water, aggregates, and sometimes additives, cement concrete is prized for its robustness, longevity, and adaptability in constructing infrastructure like roads and bridges.
- Environmental and Safety Advantages:
- Fuel Efficiency: Concrete surfaces lead to lower fuel consumption by vehicles due to their smoother finish.
- Emission Reduction: Utilizing concrete for road surfaces helps in cutting down carbon emissions and countering the urban heat island effect.
- Enhanced Safety: The reflective properties of concrete improve road visibility, enhancing vehicle light reflection which boosts nighttime safety.
- Energy Efficiency: The reflective nature of concrete also reduces the need for external lighting, conserving energy.
-Source: Times of India
